Bonte Farm
Leucospermum ‘Scarlet Ribbon’: Red-Tipped Pincushion
Leucospermum ‘Scarlet Ribbon’: Red-Tipped Pincushion
Couldn't load pickup availability
Leucospermum ‘Scarlet Ribbon’: A Vibrant Display of Color
Leucospermum ‘Scarlet Ribbon’ is a captivating evergreen shrub celebrated for its unique and showy flowers. This cultivar brings a burst of color and textural interest to the garden with its distinctive pincushion-like blooms. The flowers, a beautiful blend of salmon-pink with striking purplish-red stripings, resemble bright red ribbons, hence the name. This plant is a favorite for those seeking a drought-tolerant, visually stunning addition to their landscape.
A Striking Combination of Color and Texture:
· Distinctive Blooms: Leucospermum ‘Scarlet Ribbon’ is renowned for its eye-catching flower heads. The salmon-pink base color is beautifully contrasted by the purplish-red markings, creating a "ribboned" effect that is both unique and visually appealing. The numerous upright styles give the flower a textured, pincushion-like appearance.
· Evergreen Foliage: This cultivar boasts attractive, tough, and leathery green leaves that are spirally arranged on the stems. The foliage provides a lush backdrop that enhances the vibrancy of the blooms and offers year-round interest.
Botanical Characteristics:
· Scientific Name: Leucospermum ‘Scarlet Ribbon’
· Growth Habit: Compact, rounded, evergreen shrub
· Foliage: Tough, leathery, green leaves
· Flowers: Salmon-pink pincushion flowers with purplish-red stripings
· Bloom Time: Late spring to mid-summer
· Mature Size: Typically reaches 4-8 feet in height and 4-8 feet in width. Size can be managed with pruning.
· USDA Hardiness Zone: 9-11 (suitable for mild winter climates)
Cultivation and Care:
· Sunlight: Requires full sun for optimal flowering. A minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight per day is ideal.
· Soil: Thrives in well-drained, acidic to neutral soil. Sandy or gravelly soils are preferred. Good drainage is crucial to prevent root rot.
· Water: Water regularly until established. Once established, it is drought-tolerant. Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid overwatering, especially in winter.
· Fertilizer: Use a low-phosphorus fertilizer specifically formulated for Proteaceae. Avoid high-phosphorus fertilizers. Fertilizing is generally not necessary in nutrient-poor soils.
· Temperature: Prefers mild temperatures and is sensitive to prolonged heavy frost. Protect from frost in colder regions.
· Pruning: Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth.
Landscape Use:
· Specimen Plant: Its unique and colorful flowers make it an excellent focal point in gardens.
· Coastal Gardens: Tolerates salt spray, making it suitable for coastal landscapes.
· Rock Gardens: Its drought tolerance and striking appearance make it a good choice for rock gardens.
· Cut Flower Arrangements: The long-lasting flowers are highly valued for cut flower arrangements.
· Mixed Borders: Adds a vibrant splash of color to mixed shrub borders.
· Low Hedges and Borders: Its compact growth habit makes it suitable for low hedges and borders.
Wildlife Attraction:
· The flowers attract pollinators, including birds and bees, adding to the biodiversity of the garden.
Pest and Disease Resistance:
· Generally resistant to most pests and diseases. Root rot can be a problem in poorly drained soils. Ensure excellent drainage to prevent this.
Propagation:
· Propagation is typically done through cuttings taken from semi-hardwood in the warmer months.
Incorporating Leucospermum ‘Scarlet Ribbon’ into Your Landscape:
· Planting Location: Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil.
· Soil Preparation: Ensure the soil is well-drained and slightly acidic. Amend heavy clay soils with sand or gravel to improve drainage.
· Companion Plants: Pair with other drought-tolerant plants that thrive in similar conditions. Consider plants from the Proteaceae family or other Mediterranean natives.
Relevant Plants: Leucospermum ‘Scarlet Ribbon’, Scarlet Ribbon Pincushion, Leucospermum, South African plants, drought-tolerant shrub, coastal gardening, rock garden plants, cut flowers, protea cultivation, pink and red flowers, evergreen shrub.